Powerful winds attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled officials to call off over 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing residences mostly in the South Island, although authorities report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on today come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
